We're loading the full news article for you. This includes the article content, images, author information, and related articles.
Traders in Onitsha protest Governor Soludo’s closure of the main market, trapping them in a deadly standoff between state orders and IPOB sit-at-home enforcement.

The commercial heart of Anambra State stopped beating on Tuesday as hundreds of traders poured into the streets of Onitsha, protesting Governor Charles Soludo’s decision to seal the main market.
The unrest follows a high-stakes power play between the state government and the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). On Monday, traders had shuttered their shops in compliance with IPOB’s "sit-at-home" order—a directive demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu. In retaliation, Governor Soludo ordered the market sealed for "economic sabotage," sparking immediate fury.
Chanting "Say no to Monday" and waving placards reading "Show us the law, Soludo," the traders marched through the humidity of Onitsha, paralyzed the city’s transport arteries. Their anger is twofold: they are caught between the threat of violence from non-state actors if they open, and the threat of state punishment if they close.
"The Governor is punishing the victim," said one trader who requested anonymity. "If we open, unknown gunmen attack us. If we close, the Governor locks us out. We are just grass suffering while two elephants fight."
The closure of Onitsha Main Market—West Africa’s largest—is a seismic economic event. Billions of Naira are lost daily, and supply chains across Nigeria are disrupted. By sealing the market, Soludo is attempting to force a confrontation, effectively telling traders they must choose a side.
As security operatives watched the peaceful protest from a distance, the standoff remained unresolved. The traders want their shops open, but they also want to live. Until the state can guarantee the latter, the former will remain a deadly gamble.
Keep the conversation in one place—threads here stay linked to the story and in the forums.
Sign in to start a discussion
Start a conversation about this story and keep it linked here.
Other hot threads
E-sports and Gaming Community in Kenya
Active 9 months ago
The Role of Technology in Modern Agriculture (AgriTech)
Active 9 months ago
Popular Recreational Activities Across Counties
Active 9 months ago
Investing in Youth Sports Development Programs
Active 9 months ago